The regular meeting of the Utah Transportation Commission, held at Logan City Council Chambers, 255 North Main, Logan, Utah, was called to order at 9:09 a.m. by Commission Chairman Glen E. Brown. He welcomed those in attendance and introduced the Commission members. Commissioner Ted Lewis was excused from the meeting. UDOT staff, legislators, local officials, media and others in attendance were introduced.

Approval of MinutesCommissioner Clyde moved to approve the minutes of the December 13, 1996 Commission Meeting held in Salt Lake City, it was seconded by Commissioner Lewis and passed unanimously.

Local Area PresentationCommissioner Brown turned the time over the Commissioner Todd Weston. Commissioner Weston asked Dyke LeFevre, Region One Director, to give an update on the current and ongoing status of projects in the Region, more specifically in the north end of Region One. Mr. LeFevre distributed and discussed a handout listing completed projects, current projects, and projects in design in the Region. Mr. LeFevre also answered several questions from members of the audience.

Public CommentsCommissioner Todd Weston introduced additional state and local officials, then invited those interested to make public comments.

Senator Lyle Hillyard expressed appreciation to Todd Weston for his work on the Commission. He then voiced his concerns for his area of representation. He said the number one concern of the people is roads. Lewiston has a large number of roads to take care of with very little support from the state., and their property tax basically maintains their roads. Senator Hillyard said that anything that can be done to better facilitate dialogue between UDOT and the cities and counties would be very important. Many cities are trying their best to maintain their roads with very limited financial means.

Senator Hillyard also spoke about some of the changes that have taken place, including the increase in the number of students returning to attend Utah State University. There was a rise in the number of accidents that occurred on the first day of school. Transportation needs have changed dramatically. Senator Hillyard then spoke in support for a bypass around Logan, to alleviate some of the traffic on Main Street. The bypass would not be just around Logan, but from the mouth of Wellsville Canyon to the Idaho boarder. Senator Hillyard said he will be advocating to the Legislature this next session, funding for a study to identify where to build the road, and to begin to define right of ways.

Bonnie Nielsen of Hyrum City expressed appreciation to the Commission for supporting their projects. Ms. Nielsen also gave a brief update of Hyrum City's progress. She also expressed concern about extending Route 165 from Nibley to Hyrum. The project ended at the most dangerous part of the route, creating a dangerous situation. Ms. Nielsen requested that the Commission considers Hyrum City as the STIP is being prepared in the future.

Mayor Darla Clark welcomed the Commission to Logan. As a representative for the Cache Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO), she spoke to the Commission about the number one project they would like to see done in the CMPO within their boundaries, the Cache Valley Highway or the bypass road. A handout was distributed to the Commission on the Cache Valley Highway. She said traffic on Main Street is the number one concern of citizens throughout the CMPO and Cache Valley. They would like to do a major investment study. They would also like to find money to reserve corridors and the right of ways for future road access. Mayor Clark said she hopes that legislation could be introduced to preserve the corridors and right of way for future roads.

Mayor Clark quoted Commissioner Weston who said "Logan and Cache Valley is the only city in the state which does not have a major highway/freeway through it." She said that any help the Commission could give to the CMPO would be appreciated. Chairman Brown asked if anything is being done locally to try to address the issue. He mentioned that a lot rests on the local planning process. Mayor Clark responded that they have done better the last few years, and they do have a county-wide planner. There are things they have tried to address. With nineteen communities in the valley, it's difficult to get everyone together because there is such a diversity.

Carol Billings, Perry City Council, spoke regarding the light on 11th South in Perry City. She said the intersection is quite bad, and several accidents and near accidents have occurred there. Many communities in the area use the intersection. Traffic is a growing problem, there is increased building in the area. She asked the Commission to consider an overpass there. Chairman Brown commented that with the growth taking place along 11th South, and with a grade separation at the light, measurable improvements would be made. But the concern of the Commission is transferring the problem to the next intersection. There is still the same type of at-grade crossing coming off of the interchange. There will always be some inherent risk with that type of traffic situation. Dyke LeFevre responded that two overhead mast arms will be put up east of the light, which will hang over the roadway and have flashing lights on it. There was continued discussion on the intersection, alternatives, and funding.

Tim Wagner, a resident of Logan, addressed two concerns. One is the intersection of 4th North and 700 East, which is Highway 89 before it approaches Logan Canyon. Mr. Walker noted that enrollment at USU has increased to over 20,000 students. There is no light at that intersection, and there is only one sign warning of the pedestrian crossing in each direction. There is also a new parking lot on the south side of the highway which was just constructed last summer, and a lot of students and faculty are crossing the intersection from 4th North. Mr. Wagner emphasized that this is a dangerous intersection.

Commissioner Weston replied that UDOT funded, through different types of funding, a way to get across the street to the parking lot. Dyke LeFevre said that the project will probably be advertised in February or March. Commissioner Weston asked why it is taking so long. Clint Topham answered that it is Utah State University's enhancements project to build a pedestrian overpass at that intersection. Commissioner Weston said it was originally approved to build a pedestrian overpass, but the University then said they wanted an underpass. UDOT said that would be fine, but USU would have to pick up the extra funds. Commissioner Weston also said that USU had enough money to do the project, which should have been built a year or two ago.

The second concern that Mr. Wagner addressed is his concurrence with Mayor Clark about the priority of addressing the needs of transportation through Logan City. He supports doing something to alleviate traffic from Main Street, whether it be the Cache Valley Highway or the Bypass. He would also like to keep Main Street as the good business district it should be instead of a major highway.

Representative Evan Olsen expressed concern about speed through various cities. As highway speed limits have been increased, speed has been increased in cities too. Rep. Olsen remarked that a few years ago, he introduced a bill giving cities some authority to work with UDOT to lower speed limits in their city. And, as traffic is increased, danger is increased also. Rep. Olsen also mentioned that the Festival of the American West is moving their operation out to the Jensen Historical Farm, and a rest stop is needed in that area.

Senator John Holmgren spoke to the Commission. He addressed SR 13 and the decision to pile chips/grindings in a gravel pit at Honeyville. He said there needs to be a decision as to whether they are an asset to the state or not, and what should be done with them. Senator Holmgren then spoke as the chairman of the appropriations committee for transportation. He extended an invitation to the Commission to attend their meeting and lay out the plans for roads in the state of Utah. Senator Holmgren also discussed the STIP, funds for the next ten years, and who is going to set the priority of where the money will be spent. He expressed his concerns and his opinions, and addressed other matters, including the Legacy Highway project.

Preston Watts from Smithfield City spoke in support of the Cache Valley Highway concept. He is concerned that the highway needs access to each community. Also, the two lane highway north of Smithfield is in bad shape. There is traffic congestion, and several accidents have occurred on that highway. He would like to see the highway expanded to four lanes all the way to the Idaho border.

Ron Call from America West Heritage Foundation, addressed the Commission. He indicated that the Festival of the American West will be moved to the Jensen Historical Farm for the 1997 season. He proposed that a bill be submitted for a welcome center on the sight. Commissioner Clyde asked if the proposal of the welcome center would use transportation funds. Mr. Call responded that he didn't think they were asking for transportation funds, and it's not anticipated that UDOT would be involved in the project except for the turn lanes to and from the center..

Representative Craig Buttars commented on and gave support for the widening of Highway 91 between Smithfield and the Idaho border. He feels that it should be a high priority for the Commission because there is more growth in the area, and there are more people and more cars. The situation is only going to get worse. He also said if the Cache Valley Highway/Bypass Highway is to connect with Highway 91 north of Smithfield, there will be significant bottlenecks there if the highway is not upgraded. Highway 91 should be improved first, before the bypass is built, which is now in its planning stages. Commissioner Weston commented on Highway 91 north of Smithfield and put it as one of the top three priorities in the CMPO meeting.

Lynn Lemon, Cache County Executive, reiterated what Cache County's priorities are on a County-wide basis. The first priority is Highway 89, second is the Cache Valley Highway/Bypass. Also, they would like to see Highway 91 back on the concept development list. Another important issue is Highway 165 from Nibley to Hyrum. Mr. Lemon mentioned the Valley View Highway (Highway 30), which was moved down the list when the highway from Brigham City to Wellsville was finished. Wetland issues also moved that project down. And, he wants to allow cities the ability to lower the speed limit.

Commissioner Clyde spoke about the Cache Valley Highway concept, and asked if the route shown in the handout was the only route proposed. Mr. Lemon responded that the issue has been debated for a long time, and they wanted to come with a united proposal. As an MPO, they have agreed on the concept and the area. There was discussion on preservation of the corridor.

Doug Thompson, Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Commission for the Wellsville project. He also expressed appreciation for Todd Weston and his efforts, and to Dyke LeFevre. Mr. Thompson declared the support of the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce for the Logan Canyon project, the Cache Valley Highway, and the project at the Jensen Historical Farm.

Jim Gass, Executive Director, CMPO, spoke regarding Cache Valley priorities and the heightened awareness that the public has on transportation issues. He also spoke about the Cache Valley Highway, moving forward on Highway 91 north of Smithfield to the Idaho border, and Logan Canyon.

Wayne Godfrey, representing the City of Clarkston, made brief comments and asked for any help they can get, and thanked the Department for the excellent maintenance of their roads when it snows.

Rob Lawson, CMPO and Logan City Public Works, discussed Logan's Main Street and it being at capacity, and expressed concern about planning for the future. He also discussed some of the things Logan City has been doing.

Don Hartle, Wellsville City, concurred with Mr. Godfrey from Clarkston about the ability of small communities to maintain state highways that go through their community. Director Warne commented on the transferring of state roads to communities, and that it is not UDOT's intent to give a road to a small community that does not have the resources to take on the responsibility of maintenance and so forth.

A short break was called by Commissioner Weston.

Planning and ProgrammingProvo Municipal Airport Improvement Project - Amendment to ApplicationDave Miles updated the Commission on the Provo Municipal Airport Improvement Project. He explained that the Provo Municipal Airport is part of a continuing project to extend the runway and to provide adequate safety areas at the end of runway on both ends. It includes earth work on the runway and the safety area, accommodating the drainage, and relocating a natural gas pipeline. It also includes approximately $2.5 million of federal funding, and as matching funds, $124,533 from the State and Provo City. The project has been approved by the Division of Aeronautics and the Aeronautical Committee. The request is for the Commission to approve the project and to proceed at a total cost of $2.749 million.

Commissioner Clyde moved to approve the project as presented, it was seconded by Commissioner Eastman and passed unanimously.

Planning and ProgrammingBlanding Municipal Airport Improvement ProjectDave Miles explained that there are three parts to the Blanding Municipal Airport project. The first part is to rehabilitate the aircraft parking apron and taxiways. The second part is to take care of surface drainage, and the third part is to purchase a land easement for the north runway protection zone. The protection zone was not included in the project earlier, but has been added and the cost is $500. This project is on the Statewide Capital Improvement Program, and has been approved by the Division of Aeronautics and the Aeronautics Committee. Federal funding for this project is $600,000, with a State match of $29,888 and Blanding City also matching $29,888. The project is currently estimated at a higher amount, but the recommendation is to proceed with the approved amounts. Blanding City would pick up any amount that is over the approved amount. There was additional discussion on how airport projects are advanced, the process involved, and funding.

Commissioner Larkin moved to approve the Blanding project as presented. Commissioner Clyde seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

I-15 Exit Sign to LoganCommissioner Weston discussed how bad the Logan exit signs are on I-15 directing travelers to Logan. Something needs to be done about it. He wondered how many people miss the exit. Commissioner Larkin agreed with Commissioner Weston that the sign situation is bad, as he missed the exit the night before when he was traveling to Logan. Commmissioner Weston asked that better signs be posted directing traffic to Logan.

Next Commission MeetingThe next Commission meeting is scheduled for February 7, 1997 in Salt Lake City. Commissioner Eastman suggested holding the meeting at the State Capitol if a room is available. Commissioner Weston indicated that he would be out of town for the February 7th Commission Meeting. The following date and location has been scheduled:

March 7, 1997 - St. George

There was additional discussion on holding a two-day workshop for the Commission in April on the 24th and 25th at the Rampton Complex in Salt Lake City.

The meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

The following Commissioners, staff members and others were in attendance: